Times are changing.
Construction methods change too.

Although Perth has traditionally witnessed the landscape of double brick homes, times are changing. As a result, interest in our construction methods is on the rise.

We have found that by combining both conventional clay brick construction with a solid concrete floor and lightweight upper frames and trusses, we are able to provide an unrivalled balance of thermal mass and insulative properties. In fact, the EIFS that we utilise is regarded as one of the most popular alternative construction methods worldwide.

We also take our role in environmental sustainability very seriously, constantly seeking new ways to improve our construction process. Sustainability is just as important as affordable housing and we strive every day to create affordable, enduring and quality homes.

Challenge traditional methods.

Sometimes the most common option isn’t the best one. Most people don’t realise they have alternatives to double brickwork when building a new home.

Double brick is a particularly strong and durable option that offers sound insulation, but it isn’t the only material that can offer this. Whilst our lower floor walls are constructed of double clay brick, our upper floor walls are timber framed (internally) and clad in 100mm thick pre-fabricated EPS panels (externally) as part of an EIFS.

In addition, these EPS panels have the following benefits:

• Superior insulating properties
• Have an R 3.1 rating and are more energy efficient than brickwork
• Can offer a saving of up to 50 times on production energy over the life of the building
• Fully recyclable
• Unaffected by extreme temperature changes
• Less expensive than brick and considerably more time-efficient to install
• This technology means Ben Trager Homes can produce a fast and efficient build in situ (not off site), whilst still achieving the highest standards in quality and appearance

Upper floors built better.

Our external upper floor walls are constructed with several layers of EIFS which combine to give a highly effective wall, providing you with a durable home that’s built to last.

The EIFS starts with a layer of strong expanded polystyrene (EPS) insulation, which is covered by a layer of mesh embedded into a cement-like flexible polymer render, and then finished with an acrylic texture render (similar to paint). A top coat is then applied for maximum protection from the elements.

This construction method has been used worldwide for over 50 years, rapidly growing in popularity over time and developing into an extremely competitive alternative to traditional ‘brick-and-mortar’ building.

With the right materials and as technological advancements continue to boost its benefits, this system is revolutionising sustainable building across the globe, and Ben Trager Homes are proud to be a part of it.

EPS – the hero of our upper floors.

An innovative and insulative product called RMAX Orange Board forms the core of our upper floor wall system, made from an Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) material.

Resilient and lightweight, EPS has been designed specifically for the external cladding of homes, with its exceptional thermal properties providing superior wall insulation. Boasting a remarkable strength to weight ratio, the EPS panels unique composition is actually 98% air, making it extremely light and safe to transport, in addition to being easy to cut to shape and fit to size. It is also produced completely waste-free and is easy to recycle if required.

Best results. Every time.

Years of experience in the industry have proven that using an EIFS results in the maximum benefits for our clients and our environment.

Rapidly becoming the material of choice for many, composite light weight panel technology has revolutionised the building industry. EIFS is used throughout the world. It is stronger structurally than brick, and is widely used in earthquake & cyclonic zones.

Our innovative construction method of double brick coupled with an EIFS to the upper floor ensures our homes minimise the environmental impact whilst achieving maximum solar and cost benefits as well as time efficiencies. Our EIFS offers a much more environmentally friendly product than other options on the market.

The graph above demonstrates the carbon footprint is significantly lower compared to other commonly used building materials. Fully recyclable, the product is an environmentally friendly and sustainable alternative to brickwork, incorporating superior energy efficiency, thermal & insulation properties.

Engineered upper floor truss system – second to none.

To provide the ideal base for our upper floors, we utilise a five course deep engineered flooring system that is made of steel trusses and a poured concrete slab.